Chicago's Ralph E. Meczyk Played a Vital Role in Peterson Defense

CHICAGO, IL, September 28, 2012

In a high-profile criminal matter like the recent murder trial of Drew Peterson, the testimony of one witness can make or break the case. Chicago criminal defense attorney Ralph E. Meczyk demonstrated the importance of effective cross-examination in the Peterson trial, exposing important nuances in witness testimony.

One of six defense attorneys representing Peterson, Meczyk avoided the media spotlight throughout the course of the trial. "It's not my style," he explained to the Chicago Tribune.

Instead, he chose to shine inside the courtroom, specifically during his cross-examination of two key witnesses. Meczyk questioned forensic pathologists Dr. Larry Blum, who testified that Kathleen Savio's 2007 drowning was caused by homicide, and Dr. Michael Baden, who was the first to notice some of her injuries. Meczyk was able to find inconsistencies in the pathologists' testimony while highlighting the lack of hard physical evidence against his client.

For example, Meczyk's cross-examination revealed that an earlier autopsy by a respected pathologist led to a finding that Savio died from accidental drowning and several other pathologists agreed. In addition, he demonstrated that no DNA exists to link Drew Peterson to a struggle with Savio before her death.

About Ralph E. Meczyk

Chicago criminal law attorney Ralph E. Meczyk has over 30 years of experience representing criminal defendants in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He is one of a select group of highly qualified lawyers to be certified by the Illinois Supreme Court as lead counsel in death penalty cases. This tireless commitment to justice and to his clients enables him to handle cases that other attorneys call "unwinnable."

The trial attorneys of Ralph E. Meczyk & Associates handle tough criminal cases throughout the United States. The firm has taken over 650 criminal cases to trial, including murder charges, white-collar crime allegations and drug trafficking cases. The firm represents criminal defendants in bench trials, jury trials, grand jury proceedings and criminal appeals.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a crime, the best time to call an attorney is now. Contact Ralph E. Meczyk & Associates at (312) 435-9032 or visit them online at www.meczyklaw.com to discuss your case.